Entry Level News Reporter Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

News Desk Assistant

Sandpaper Publishing is seeking an organized, dependable and news-minded News Clerk to help keep our local newsrooms running smoothly.

This is an entry-level newsroom position and a great opportunity for someone interested in journalism, communications, digital media or community news. The News Clerk works closely with editors and reporters to help monitor the daily news flow, prepare content for publication and make sure important information doesn't fall through the cracks.

The ideal candidate is organized, curious, comfortable with technology and able to juggle multiple priorities. You don't need years of journalism experience, but you do need to pay attention to what is happening in the community and take pride in getting things right.

Responsibilities

The News Assistant will:

• Monitor the newsroom story budget and help ensure stories move through the editorial process on schedule.
• Monitor local news sources, government agencies, organizations and other information channels for potential stories and make reporters and editors aware of news they may not have seen.
• Assist with posting stories, breaking news and other content to our websites and social media platforms.
• Write staff reports, briefs and other routine news stories from press releases and verified information.
• Compile arrest reports, marriage and divorce reports and other routine content for publication.
• Maintain and update community calendars and local event listings.
• Answer newsroom telephone calls and route calls and information to the appropriate reporter or editor.
• Respond professionally to members of the public who contact the newsroom with questions, story ideas or information.
• Route letters to the editor and other submissions to the appropriate staff member.
• Assist with basic fact-checking, background research, transcription and information gathering.
• Help ensure stories have been edited, completed and placed in the proper folders before production deadlines.
• Work with the production team to make sure editorial content is organized and ready for publication.
• Maintain newsroom contact lists, databases, archives and other internal resources.
• Assist with basic photo preparation and other digital publishing tasks as needed.
• Help maintain office supplies and equipment and assist with routine newsroom administrative duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for - The right person will be:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Dependable and able to meet deadlines.
• Curious about what is happening in the community.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.
• A strong communicator with good writing, spelling and grammar skills.
• Comfortable using computers, websites, social media and learning new technology.
• Able to work independently while also being part of a newsroom team.
• Willing to take initiative rather than waiting to be told about every task.
• Professional when dealing with members of the public, government officials and community organizations.

Previous newsroom experience is helpful but not required. Writing, communications, journalism, social media or administrative experience is a plus.

About the position

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to learn how a community newsroom operates from the inside. The News Clerk will be involved in everything from breaking news and digital publishing to preparing the weekly newspapers for production.

We are looking for someone who doesn't just complete a checklist, but pays attention to what is happening, asks questions and helps the newsroom stay ahead of the news.

If you're organized, curious, dependable and interested in being part of a team that keeps its community informed, we'd like to hear from you.